Cipralex

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Cipralex is an antidepressant. The drug is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. It has a mood-enhancing and depression-relieving effect. Here you will find all the important information about the drug Cipralex.

This active ingredient is in Cipralex

The active ingredient in Cipralex is called escitalopram. It belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSIR), i.e. active substances that prevent the tissue hormone serotonin from being absorbed into the cell. The Cipralex effect is based on this blockade of the serotonin transporter. The serotonin concentration in the tissue fluid of the brain increases, which has depressive and mood-enhancing effects on the mood.

When is Cipralex used?

Typical areas of application for Cipralex are:

severe depression
Anxiety disorders
social anxiety disorders
generalized anxiety disorder
Panic attacks
Obsessive-compulsive disorder

What are the side effects of Cipralex?

Psychotropic drugs influence the neurotransmitter balance. This can affect motor skills and hormone levels, among other things. The Cipralex side effects occur more frequently in the first two weeks and then usually subside.

Very often the use of Cipralex causes malaise and headache.

Common Cipralex side effects are runny nose, decreased or increased appetite, sexual function disorders, restlessness, abnormal dreams, and difficulty sleeping. Side effects such as tremors, sweating, fever, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, pain in muscles or joints or weight gain are typical symptoms.

Occasionally there are taste, vision and hearing disorders. Hair loss, irregular menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, fast heartbeat, agitation and panic attacks are also possible.

The drug rarely induces aggression, depersonalization or hallucinations.

Allergic reactions (severe skin rash, swelling of the tongue and lips, difficulty breathing and swallowing) or signs of serotonin syndrome (high fever, confusion, muscle twitching) are serious side effects. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.

You should bear this in mind when using Cipralex

The drug must not be taken in the case of:

Allergies to the active ingredient and other components of the drug
Cardiac arrhythmias
taking preparations for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias (antiarrhythmics) and depression (MAOIs)

Caution when taking Cipralex applies to:

epilepsy
decreased liver and kidney function
Patients with an increased tendency to bleed
diabetes
coronary heart disease and recent heart attack
glaucoma (glaucoma)
low resting heart rate and low levels of sodium in the blood
Suicidal ideation
young adults up to 25 years

Children under the age of 18 should only take the drug after a careful risk-benefit assessment by a doctor.

Furthermore, Cipralex shows interactions with many other drugs. These include:

Antipsychotics (for mental disorders)
Antidepressants (for depression)
Antimalarial agents
Analgesics (pain relievers)
Anticoagulants (drugs that thin the blood)
Neuroleptics (e.g. for psychoses)
Johannis herbs

Any intake of these drugs should be discussed with a doctor and pharmacist in advance, as the combination of these drugs can cause severe side effects.

Cipralex: dosage

Cipralex is usually given once a day with or without meals. The dose of Cipralex depends on the type and severity of the disease.

In severe depression, the usual daily dose is 10 mg and can be increased to a maximum of 20 mg. The duration of use lasts for a further six months after successful treatment of the symptoms.

For the treatment of an anxiety disorder, the dose is 5 mg of Cipralex for the first week and is then increased to 10 mg. If necessary, the dose can also be increased to a maximum of 20 mg here. Successful treatment can only be expected after three months.

Social anxiety disorders are treated with 10 mg of active ingredient daily. Depending on the extent of the symptoms, the dosage can be reduced to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg. The duration of use should be at least twelve weeks and can be individually extended to six months.

For the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 10 to 20 mg of active ingredient are administered daily - over a treatment period of at least six months.

Patients aged 65 and over start with a dose of 5 mg of Cipralex per day.

It should be borne in mind that the onset of Cipralex action will only be noticeable after two to four weeks. The dose should only be adjusted by the doctor.

Cipralex overdose

Poisoning caused by Cipralex alone has not yet been observed. However, severe symptoms of poisoning can occur in combination with other drugs. In this case, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Cipralex: stop

It is advisable to reduce the dosage slowly and not to stop treatment suddenly. Since increased symptoms can occur when the drug is discontinued, this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Cipralex: pregnancy and lactation

Cipralex should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In particular, taking it in the last month of pregnancy causes harm to the child. The newborn may have narrowed blood vessels in the lungs (PPHN). This shows up in blue skin and difficulty breathing. In addition, the child may vomit, have seizures, difficulty ingesting food, stiff or flaccid muscles, listlessness, prolonged crying, lively reflexes, or nervous tremors.

The active ingredient also reaches the child through breast milk and can also be harmful after birth.

Cipralex and alcohol

There are no known interactions, however a combination of Cipralex and alcohol should not be advisable.

How to get Cipralex

The medicinal product is available from pharmacies against a prescription as film-coated tablets (5, 10, 15 or 20 mg), orodispersible tablets (10 or 20 mg) and as Cipralex drops (10 or 20 mg / ml). The Cipralex drops are suitable for patients with difficulty swallowing.